The Bio Energy Base produces green energy locally by converting non-recyclable wood waste into steam, heat and power. That energy is supplied to nearby companies. “By offering local security of supply, we also strengthen the competitive position of the industry,” says Michael Corten, CEO of BEE. “In addition, we will attract new investments, which in turn will create jobs. We want to develop a local ecosystem and take further initiatives to evolve from a carbon neutral to a carbon negative company in the long run.”
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Chemical company Gadot was the first to join the Ghent cluster: BEE invested in an underground steam pipeline so that the company can switch from fossil to renewable energy. French biotech company Innovafeed is also stepping in and plans to build its largest facility here for the production of bio-proteins based on cultured flies. The proteins are used in animal feed, for example for breeding salmon. The presence of a reliable source of sustainable energy was an important reason for Innovafeed to settle in Ghent.
Together with Ghent University, other port companies and North Sea Port, BEE is now also involved in a research project to capture and reuse CO2 (Carbon Capture and Utilization or CCU). Corten: “We assume that at cruising speed we will be able to save at least 265,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. That corresponds to the emissions from the gas consumption of half of the households in Ghent.”
For more information, visit the BEE website.
Image: BEE
